Radon gas is known the silent killer. It can be found in old homes and new homes, with a basement or without a basement. It occurs when uranium, soil and rock decays. The gas released from the decaying process is radon.

The buildings we live and work in act as vacuums that draw in gases such as radon. Phillip Gibson, Western NC Radon Program Coordinator with the state Department of Health and Human Services, says it’s a serious healthy issue. 

“Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. There are an estimated 21,000 deaths annually associated with radon induced lung cancer. That is more than the annual number of deaths related to driving under the influence,” says Gibson.

Gibson says radon-induced lung cancer can be prevented. But you will not know what level of radon is in your home unless you test.

For the month of January, the NC Department of Health and Human Services is offering free radon test kits to the public. Gibson says the testing process is easy and affordable.

“You don't have to assemble it, you simply hang it in the room in which you spend the most time, over 3 to 5 days.  The kit will collect radon gas. You will put the kit inside a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope and you will mail it out. In about 3 to 5 weeks, you will receive a number, a test result."

The test result will tell you if you are exceeding or below the EPA’s recommended action level. Any measurement of 4 or higher needs to be addressed right away.

If a high level of radon is detected in your home, Gibson says the cost to fix the problem is estimated around $1,500.

The test kits run around $5.00 at local hardware stores.